Psychology

Sexual harassment is known to be one of the most sensitive and delicate subject matters in our society.  Though a big pie of complaints come from women, men also be sexually harasses. Harassment is considered one way to discriminate a fellow student, worker or peer, and does not happen always happen to people with the opposite sex.  One may be sexually harassed by the victims same gender.  Harassment is not confined to mere unwanted physical contact, such as grabbing one by her waist, touching the face or hair.  Jokes that are offensive are thrown verbally and even gestures may be considered as sexual harassment.  Reasons for sexual harassment is broad and steepened in politics, psychology and socialization

Now a days, companies and corporations prepare an employee handbook that clearly states the possible sanctions and consequences for those who are or will be caught harassing a fellow employee.  Most give or cite examples that commonly happen in a given work place.  People are made differently and what may be a small thing to one may not be the same to the other.  Constant communication and mutual respect among workers, subordinate, etc is important and vital not only in the workplace but for the institution as well.  Plainly speaking your thoughts and mind may save you or another from being harassed or being accused of harassment.

As a therapist in an institution whose obligations flows not only to the patients of that establishment but also a supervisor to some therapists and student nurses taking their practicum, there is no other way to react or deal with this kind of matter but with pure professionalism by being objective and following due process.  My obligation to the student is to assure her that the concern that she has expressed to me will be looked in and dealt with.  I may also ask her if she can or have proof of such allegation.

Whichever the answer maybe, it is my duty and obligation to do an immediate investigation of the situation or if this is not made as my task, it is my utmost responsibility to raise this issue to the Human Resource Department so that proper investigation may be made.  As one of the people who handle people, I must also know the proceedings or procedures when it comes to this kind of situation.  Personally, I would offer information on how and what procedure to do with regards to this subject matter.  Assisting or accompanying her to meet with the respective human resource personnel or referring her to check and read the company policy, or policy handbook.  And as a worker of the hospital, it is my responsibility to help keep the situation still or contained and protect the issue from bursting out to the open that may impact the hospitals reputation as well as the victims.  Talking about the issue to people who has no concern will not help find resolution and closure to this sensitive matter.

As to the confidentiality of the identity of the victim, keeping her anonymity is understandable, but if the victim is willing to push through the complaint and do something about this, her identity must be transparent to the management or HR department.  If she is afraid of retaliation from her harasser, I can move her to another team or group to work with until the harasser is proven guilty of such action to avoid any more conflicts.

The institution must know of instances such as this. Keeping this from them will not help anyone but may even do the contrary.  Knowing of things  or issues such as this may help the company heighten its code to professionalism and put emphasis on the norms of fraternization.